Work begins at Holcomb Bridge, 400 Improvements for traffic ►►Page 6
Milton grad on Bachelor
Alpharetta’s finest
Get to know Ashley Salter ►►Page 30
Police, firefighters honored ►►Page 28
February 18, 2015 | miltonherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 10, No. 8
Council considers youth football’s future By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — At their Feb. 9 work session, the City Council punted to a later date a decision over which youth tackle football program Milton should support at Bell Memorial Park. The council heard staff reports and public comments about Milton’s two youth tackle football programs, and asked which, if any, the city should support for next season. With Bell Memorial Park
opening next year, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge wanted to establish a citysponsored youth tackle football program that would be hosted at the new fields. The two prominent youth football programs in Milton are the Alpharetta Youth Football Association, or North Atlanta Football Program, and the New Found Life Youth Football League, which coaches two teams under the name Milton
See FOOTBALL, Page 4
N. Fulton, Ga. prepared after first measles case reported DeKalb infant now hospitalized in Atlanta By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com
Milton’s Quarte Sapp slams the ball with authority.
Al Levine
5 boys’ teams qualify for state tournament By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Five boys’ teams from North
Fulton qualified for the state basketball playoffs last Wednesday night, including three teams from the Region 6-AAAAAA tournament at
Chattahoochee. Top-seeded Alpharetta defeated West Forsyth 59-
See STATE, Page 29
NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Georgia’s first reported case of measles is a newly arrived infant born outside the United States and diagnosed in DeKalb County. Health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to track down everyone who has been in contact with the baby since arriving in Atlanta. Local health authorities say this is the only reported case since 2012. However, measles is a highly contagious and airborne disease, so prevention measures are ratcheting up. Dr. Matthew McKenna, medical director of Fulton County Health Services, said that this case does not mean
Fulton County or Georgia has not been vigilant after the recent outbreak at California’s Disneyland. Indeed, the DeKalb case DR. McKenna appears to be unrelated to the California outbreak. Protecting children has been ongoing since vaccinations have been available. The vast majority of children in Fulton County’s schools have been inoculated for measles, and they are safe. There are only two exemptions for measles inoculation, which require a certified letter from a
See MEASLES, Page 14
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public safety
2 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
4 arrested after ‘hit and run’
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – All four people involved in a traffic accident were arrested Jan. 28 for several reasons, including outstanding warrants, drug crimes and driving while unlicensed. Police were told by an 18-year-old driver that someone hit his car Jan. 27 and fled. The suspect car was described as a gray Ford Fusion. On Jan. 28, the victim reported to police he found the suspect car off Mansell Road. Police arrived and spoke with the occupants, a man and a woman. The driver, Robert Alexander Grogan, 22, of Fairburn, allegedly gave police a false name to identify himself. The passenger, Tiffany Marie Willoughby, 23, of Monroe, said she
SUBMIT YOUR: News/releases, sports and team photos, school events, community events and more to news@appenmediagroup.com NEWSROOM Revue & News • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@appenmediagroup.com Forsyth Herald • Kathleen Sturgeon kathleen@appenmediagroup.com Johns Creek Herald • Hatcher Hurd hatcher@appenmediagroup.com Milton Herald • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ADVERTISING General Info, ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com CLASSIFIEDS ext. 136 or ext. 100 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com CIRCULATION for delivery questions, ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com PUBLISHER Ray Appen, ext. 101 appen@appenmediagroup.com DELIVERY POLICY Newspapers are published weekly and delivered by carriers to subdivisions at no charge. Stop delivery requests are always honored and can be accomplished by calling 770-442-3278 ext. 100. Publisher may exercise right to not publish any item for any reason.
Police Blotter All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Stone Mountain man was arrested Feb. 1 at North Point Mall after allegedly leading police on a chase through the mall. Police were called to the Apple store after reports came in of a man attempting to buy a computer with a fake ID. When police arrived, they found Andrew Dean Forbes, 25, of Stone Mountain, on the phone with someone, acting nervous. When he saw the officers, Forbes allegedly said “I’m not going back there.” He ran out of the store and through the mall with police in pursuit. The officers cornered Forbes in the parking lot where he was Tased for refusing to drop to the ground. A search of Forbes’ clothing turned up several driver’s licenses, all with different names but his face, as well as several credit and debit cards, none having his name. Forbes was charged with forgery and obstruction.
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MILTON, Ga. – A Milton man was arrested Feb. 7 after walking out on a $102 bar tab. The suspect walked into a local restaurant about 5 p.m. and opened a tab using a debit card. He proceeded to drink $102 worth of alcohol at the bar over the next three hours. He then
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left the bar, not paying for his drinks. When the bar tried to run the debit card, it was declined as invalid. Police managed to find the owner of the card through the bank and confirmed he was the suspect. He allegedly admitted to the theft, saying he knew he did not have enough to pay the bill, so he went to get cash from a nearby ATM only to find the machine was not working. So he went home. He was arrested for theft.
is an area the cleaning crew is not supposed to enter. Six laptops were reported missing, varying in value from $1,000 to $2,200 each. Another business next door in the same building also reported a theft of several iPads and uses the same cleaning company. Police contacted the cleaning company and were told the employee in question no longer works there.
Can you steal yourself a kitchen?
Employee suspected in $1,500 theft
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Someone stole kitchen appliances from a home for sale on Abbottbury Lane. The victim told police he had been away from the house since the beginning of December. When he checked on it Feb. 3, the garage was open and the door leading into the house was taken off its hinges. The refrigerator, cooking range and microwave were all missing from the home, with a total value of just over $3,700. There was no damage reported in the house.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An employee is suspected of taking nearly $1,500 in gift cards from his employer between September 2014 and January 2015. Store staff told police they noticed irregularities in the store receipts during an audit. Someone would enter an item return and then place the monetary value on a gift card. This happened 10 times for a value of $1,477 and all occurred under one employee – Hadari Ahman Foster, 37, of Kennesaw. When questioned about the missing money, Foster allegedly admitted to the theft. He was arrested.
Cleaning company suspected in thefts
Possible thief ran away
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A local company is missing six expensive laptops, after a cleaning company employee may have made off with them. According to police, a security expert from a Sanctuary Park company explained video footage showed a janitor working for their cleaning company is seen entering a high value storage room several times Dec. 1, 2014. This
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was driving the car when the initial accident happened. She contended the accident happened several days prior and all parties agreed to handle the matter civilly, exchanging information. The initial victim admitted to lying about the hit and run. He was arrested for filing a false police report. A woman who accompanied him, Cindia Denis, 33, of Governors Circle, Alpharetta, was found to have an active warrant for her arrest. It turns out Grogan allegedly had heroin on him. He was arrested for possession of heroin and giving a false name to police. Willoughby was arrested for having an outstanding warrant for her arrest.
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DUIs & Drugs All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
DUI arrests
in Milton for DUI and speeding.
►► William Jack Talbott, 25, was
arrested Jan. 31 on Deerfield Parkway in Milton for DUI, failure to maintain lane, speeding and failure to obey a traffic control device.
Drug arrests ►► Shayne Marquis Brown, 30, of
►► Kevin Tyler Sullens, 44, of
Providence Road, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 31 on Pine Grove Drive in Alpharetta for DUI and impeding traffic. ►► Anna Sprinkle Odum, 30, of Larkspur Court, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 29 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Thomas Jeffrey King, 43, of Winder was arrested Jan. 31 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, open container, improper turn and failure to maintain lane. ►► Pavel Raznobriadsev, 58, of Amy Frances Lane, Johns Creek, was arrested Jan. 31 on Kimball Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Russell Sullivan Harris, 39, was arrested Jan. 29 on Henderson Road
Blotter: Continued from Page 2 backed up to the house, near a large pile of plywood. Two dozen pieces of plywood were already loaded onto the truck. No suspects were found nearby.
Driver flees police, apologizes ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A traffic stop ended with warrants for arrest and obstruction Feb. 4, after a driver al-
Norcross was arrested Feb. 1 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► James Andrew Roberts, 24, of Summer Breeze Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 31 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, possession of drugrelated items and failure to maintain lane. ►► Roderick Javon Richardson, 21, of Ellenwood, Georgia, was arrested Jan. 27 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. ►► Jamar Reshaad Mitchell, 21, of Decatur was arrested Jan. 27 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Christian Bryant Holmes, 21, was arrested Jan. 30 on Highway 9 in Milton for possession of marijuana. legedly fled police. Police say they saw two vehicles speeding on Morrison Parkway about 8:30 p.m. Both were clocked at about 60 mph in a 40 mph zone. An officer pulled them both over. When the officer retrieved and checked the driver’s licenses from both drivers, one of them, James Bothers, 45, of Norcross, returned as suspended. When the officer checked on the suspect vehicles, the vehicle belonging to Bothers was gone. He allegedly fled as soon as the officer began checking his ID. A warrant was issued for Bothers’ arrest for driving on a suspended license and obstruction.
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Fulton asks relief from jail consent decree County formally asks for an end to federal oversight of facility ATLANTA – Fulton County Attorney R. David Ware sought permission Feb. 15 from the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, to terminate the Fulton County Jail consent decree. The request comes after extensive efforts on the county’s part to alleviate overcrowding, increase staffing and improve overall conditions in the facility. “While I cannot comment on the legal issues involved in the filing, I know the county has worked tirelessly to address all of the issues which led to the case being filed,” said John H. Eaves, Fulton County Commission chairman. “We now have some of the most successful pro-
grams aimed at reducing recidivism and providing alternatives to incarceration.” Last year, both parties in ongoing litEAVES igation agreed that progress was being made in housing Fulton County Jail inmates. In August, attorneys representing both parties in the case of Harper v. Fulton County, Ga., agreed that the plaintiffs would withdraw their request that the county be held in contempt for failure to abide by the terms of the consent decree.
Eaves pointed to the success of several county initiatives with improving jail conditions. “Our accountability courts are among the best in the nation and the Board of Commissioners, along with our justice partners, are fully committed to maintaining and expanding those courts,” said Eaves. “We believe we have a sustainable model to address any systemic concerns faced by those who are housed at the jail and a commitment to operating a facility that meets or exceeds all applicable standards in a manner acceptable to the citizens of Fulton County.” Fulton County previously entered into several outsourcing agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to house inmates awaiting trial. The county also continues to work with its personnel de-
While I cannot comment on the legal issues involved in the filing, I know the county has worked tirelessly to address all of the issues which led to the case being filed.” John H. Eaves Fulton County Commission chairman
partment to ensure the facility is adequately staffed.
Birmingham roundabout opens to traffic MILTON, Ga. – Contractors have shifted traffic to the roundabout as of Wednesday, Feb. 11. New signage and striping is in place to
Football: Continued from Page 1 Steelers. Parks and recreation staff had recommended that the city support the AYFA, but asked the council for advice. AYFA was established 40 years ago and provided Milton residents youth football when the city was chartered. The cities of Milton and Alpharetta also have an agreement to share some field space for parks programs. NFL, however, is the supported flag football provider and offers the city an opportunity to encourage the Milton
assist drivers through the area and navigate the roundabout. Drivers should be aware that personnel and equipment will be operating in
brand. At the meeting, citizens came out in support of NFL and its head coach, Tim Lester. “I coached with Tim and it’s more than just sports. He’s about helping kids be the best they can,” said Matt Dawson. “I really hope you help support Tim support the city of Milton and bring this great program to the wider audience that it deserves.” Naomi Brown, a Milton Steelers mother, agreed. “There need to be more coaches like Tim. He has a big heart and cares about the kids,” said Brown. “He has a good program, and I hope you guys give him a chance.” Representatives from AYFA
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close proximity to the travel lanes. Please slow down and use caution before proceeding through the work zone. —Jonathan Copsey
also spoke on the topic. “In 40 years of existence, we know how to run a youth program,” said Brandon Jacobs, an AYFA coach. “I’m here to give back to these kids and show them the right way to do what they want to do best, play football.” The mayor and council discussed taking on both programs, as well as not making a decision. No decision was made, and the city will continue to look at the issue. “Both of these programs are going to go on no matter what the city decides,” said Mayor Joe Lockwood. The fields at Bell Memorial Park are expected to be open to soccer and lacrosse as well as football in the fall. Some councilmembers expressed concerns over limited field space. Councilmember Karen
Thurman requested more information from the parks department. “I’m not comfortable making any kind of decision when I don’t have all the information,” Thurman said. “I know Parks and Rec put together a subcommittee that spent a lot of time looking into this. It looks like they have a lot more information than we do.” Discussion is expected to continue on provider contracts, field capacity and other questions brought up at the meeting. Cregge said this topic will be brought up at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting Thursday, Feb. 19. “Like no other sport, football evokes tremendous passion,” said Bill Weaver, AYFA president. “We’re talking about two great things and one great sport.”
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Work begins on Holcomb Bridge, Ga. 400 projects Intersection will be improved over coming year By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Driving on Holcomb Bridge Road across Ga. 400 is soon to get worse before it gets better. Roswell officials kicked off the construction of two major projects Feb. 10 at the intersection, which should be finished by the end of the year. The intersection is one of the most used in the metro area, said Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak, with more than 188,000 cars a day traveling Ga. 400 and more than 60,000 on Holcomb Bridge Road. The volume of traffic will make the project difficult. “We have significant constraints,” said Acenbrak, “[but] the combination of these projects will improve traffic flow, safety and the economic conditions.” One project is the Ga. 400 northbound ramp and elimination of the eastbound “trap” lane.
This project will hopefully eliminate one source of traffic problems on Holcomb Bridge Road. Currently, when taking the northbound off-ramp from Ga. 400 and turning east (right), the lane looks like a through-lane, but turns into a right-turn-only lane at the intersection of Old Alabama Road. Cars not wanting to turn are forced to merge with the next lane over, while those who do want to turn must merge right. This creates a “weaving” effect that causes accidents, said Acenbrak. About 11,000 vehicles a day use the offramp. To solve this, Roswell will add a right-turn lane to the Ga. 400 ramp and tweak the traffic light at the intersection of Holcomb Bridge and Ga. 400. This project will cost just over $1 million and is funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The second project will add a new westbound Holcomb Bridge Road lane between Old Alabama Road and Ga. 400’s northbound on-ramp. This project will also include sidewalks and streetscape improvements. More than 60,000 vehicles a day travel this stretch of
JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff
Roswell’s mayor and members of the City Council, along with city staff and project leaders, break ground for improvements at Holcomb Bridge Road and Ga. 400 in Roswell. road. The project will cost $2.3 million and is part of the 2012 Roswell Bond Referendum. Compared to “eating an elephant one bite at a time,” both projects are on the city’s list of 22 improvements needed to overhaul the intersection. “This is one of those in-
stances where there is not one solution to the interchange,” said Councilmember Nancy Diamond, the council liaison to transportation. “We have 22 projects to eliminate the [traffic] problem.” Roswell Mayor Jere Wood was optimistic about the project.
“Since Ga. 400 was built, it is a barrier dividing Roswell in half,” said Wood. “This is bringing Roswell closer together.” Acenbrak said he expects the projects to be finished by September, with much of the work taking place on off-peak hours and at night to minimize the traffic problems.
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North Fulton cities shaping their future Metro Atlanta cities, especially in North Fulton, have a choice. They can shape their city into the place they want it to be or let others do it for them. The growth of Atlanta into a worldclass city hosting the Olympics, home to the world’s busiest international airport and headquarters to more than its share of Fortune 500 companies has made it and the metro area a magnet of development. But as Mr. Monk would no doubt say, it has been a blessing and a curse for metro communities. Ga. 400 has been a pipeline of development for 30 years, and remorseless as the ocean’s tide, it has crept up to the very limits of North Fulton. It is the reason most of us are here. The benefits have been high-paying jobs, business opportunities, the largest concentration of top-flight schools anywhere in the country, home values that are a rock-solid investment and communities that possess that elusive term “quality of life.” So why all this fuss to reshape the cities we found so charming when we moved here? The short answer is neither time nor development ever stand still. In the world of a city’s development however, it can travel in either direction. The catchy phrase Ben Franklin so aptly coined is those who fail to plan are planning to fail. New cities such as Sandy Springs and Johns Creek, have sought out cityhood to put the reins of change in their own hands. Alpharetta is perhaps the poster
Hatcher Hurd
Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com
Ga. 400 has been a pipeline of development for 30 years, and remorseless as the ocean’s tide, it has crept up to the very limits of North Fulton. It is the reason most of us are here. child for planning ahead. In the 1980s, Mayor Jimmy Phillips and the city’s Development Director Marie Garrett embraced the office and commercial growth that was to come in the 1990s. Today, Alpharetta has a commercial property tax base that is the envy of its neighbors because it planned for the kind of commercial growth that would
seek out Ga. 400’s promise of open space and lower taxes. Roswell sought to withstand the tide, but today has found it better to bend to the wind. The city’s Canton Street area is not only the first geographic stop north of the Chattahoochee River. It is the cultural/entertainment must-see one as well. Its boutiques, art galleries and above all, its singular restaurants give the city an authentic trendiness that Avalon can only hope to recreate in Alpharetta. With the addition of the proposed $500 million mixed-use development at Ga. 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell can reap some of the benefits of that developmental artery. Bigger even is the potential of its Groveway District that would extend the Canton Street aura south of City Hall to Roswell’s Historic Square. It would make the city a national destination. Alpharetta has everything except a real downtown. That oversight is being corrected as these words are written with its new City Hall and library and plans to develop new mixed-use opportunities surrounding them. Now comes Johns Creek, that new-come city that has sprung out of nowhere around Technology Park. Residents there embraced the opportunity to incorporate as a city. But it has suffered from neglect as it grew from a crossroads to an amalgam of office buildings, high-tech manufacturing and some of the finest schools and
suburban housing in the state. Johns Creek had no real direction when it was unincorporated. It is only since cityhood that it has had any true community planning. Now the city is taking its great step forward to decide what will be the imprint of the city. They want the city to stand for something and to have its own personality. They want an answer to the question, “What is Johns Creek?” When people say Johns Creek, what image will come to mind? It was exciting to see the first town hall meeting at City Hall as people poured over aerial maps of the proposed 728-acre Business District that would transform under-used commercial area into a higher-density development that would raise the commercial tax base. Included in that is a proposed 25acre to 30-acre city center that would be a place for arts and entertainment, fine dining and residential but would also serve as “the face” of Johns Creek. As with Roswell and Alpharetta, the city of Johns Creek is laying out the kind of city it wants to be. What an exciting time to be living in North Fulton. wResidents have the opportunity to create an identity for the community and make it a place to gather, to bring friends and visitors and be a place that says, “This is who we are.” These are cities that don’t sit back and play the cards they are dealt. They are willing to reshuffle the deck and claim their city as their own.
Parents – send us your news! 2015 budget is set Nary a week goes by without my phone ringing by someone who has a question about content. Often, this question runs along the lines of, “Why does X school get so much coverage? I want to read about my school.” It happens a lot. So much so that here I am writing about it and how to rectify the issue. In short, I only print what I know about. While I and my staff are out in the community every day collecting stories of the issues we feel you, the readers, want to read about – City Council shenanigans, new construction, business news and so on – we made the decision some time ago that schools are on the bottom of that list. This is not to say their news is not important – far from it! Rather, it is because the schools have an asset we really want to hear from – the parents – who are typically better and more on-the-ball at collecting their news than us. Most of the school news you see in the paper comes ei-
jonathan copsey
Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com
ther from parents or teachers excited about their students achieving something. I rely on these parents (and even the students themselves) to send in information, and I make the guarantee that it will run in the papers. Everyone likes to see someone they know in print! If there is a school in the paper more than others, it is simply because that school’s parents or teachers have sent in more than anyone else. There are some schools who send items almost daily, and there are some schools from whom I never hear. So I am asking you, the community, to send me your news! Each page of the paper has links or information on how to submit your news to me. If you look at the top of
this page – this very one! – I bet you will find a little web address to visit. My email address is also here next to this story. For those who don’t want to do that (and why wouldn’t you?) here are step-by-step instructions. Submit your school news to news@northfulton.com. This can be anything from drama club to sports stories. Don’t be afraid. Be sure to include the basic information – who, what, when, where. Also, and this is very important, include a photograph. Please attach it to any email and try to make it as large as you can. Finally, in your email, please identify the people in the photo. From left to right is best. That way everyone knows who is who! If there are any questions about any of this, don’t hesitate to call us – 770-442-3278 – or email us at the above address and we will help you out. We want to tell your news just as much as you do.
Jan. 7, 2015 marked the inauguration of the Fulton County Commissioners. It was a very humbling experience for me to be sworn-in to service along with my six colleagues on the commission. I was honored to have several friends and family join me at the event. It was then time to get to work for the citizens of District 2 and Fulton County. We were tasked with approving our 2015 budget by the end of January. In a quick time frame, we engaged in a great deal of collaborative discussion and were able to put together a budget framework that provides a basis for greater fiscal responsibility, taxpayer relief as well as improved delivery of services. Though not perfect, it was a collective effort and resulted in an alternative general fund budget that I presented. It was approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21, marking the first unanimous approval for a county spending plan since 1991. Some highlights of the budget include the following: Restoration of library hours to the fiscal year 2013 levels
BOB ELLIS
Fulton County Commissioner
(expected to be effective on April 1) Over $7 million in administrative cost reductions Revenue projections which presume some level of millage rate rollback (actual millage rate determined mid-year) In addition to the budget, I was pleased to have Chairman John Eaves and Commissioners Liz Hausmann and Lee Morris join me in co-sponsoring a resolution to double our minimum fund balance requirement (rainy day fund) from 8.33 percent to 16.66 percent of the general fund budget, which equates to two months of operational cost reserves and provides the county with a more solid financial footing. I am encouraged by the early work of the commission and am honored to serve you. Please feel free to reach out if I can be of service to you.
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10 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
From left are Bob Sapp, Bill Kabel, Montez Hammack and Shep Hammack.
Resident receives SAR award ROSWELL, Ga. —The Sons of the American Revolution Piedmont chapter presented the SAR Medal of Appreciation to a sister member in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Montez Hammack, a member of the Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR chapter, was recognized recently for her outstanding service rendered to the SAR. Hammack was instrumental in recruiting six new members for the SAR
Piedmont chapter. The presentation was made by SAR Vice President Bill Kabel. The Piedmont chapter meets the third Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. for breakfast at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center at 830 Grimes Bridge Road. Those interested joining are encouraged to contact Carl Bhame at 770-394-1282 or cbhame@bellsouth. net.
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Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
2-volume book recounts Sons of Union Veterans forms Roswell camp war experiences Veterans give personal accounts from WWII ROSWELL, Ga. – In two illustrated volumes, “Combat Veterans Stories of World War II” takes the reader through real-life experiences of 35 men who were part of the U.S. armed forces who fought on three continents and across the Pacific. These interviews and biographies were compiled by Roswell resident Norman Black, a former news reporter and editor. Black’s previous work is “Ice, Fire and Blood, a Story of the Korean War,” a military-history novel about infantrymen’s experiences in Korea from late 1950 to late spring 1951. A reviewer called the autobiographies and biographies in these volumes “very moving accounts of ordinary men doing extraordinary things … and there is one great, captivating story after the other … This is a ‘must-read’ for those who think they have read all there is to know about World War II.” Volume 1, “North Africa and Europe” contains 19 memoirs and one biography of men who fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Southern France, Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany. This volume also contains 41 photos. Volume 2, “Pacific, China and Burma” contains 14 personal accounts and one biography of men that fought the Pacific campaign. There are 39 photos in this volume.
Roswell resident Norman Black has published a two-volume book, collecting stories and photographs of veterans. Both volumes are currently available on amazon and Kindle. —Jonathan Copsey
ROSWELL, Ga.- The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) has formed a new camp in Roswell. The new camp will be dubbed the General Kenner Garrard Camp 4, named after the Union Gen. Kenner Garrard. The SUVCW is a fraternal organizing intended to preserve the history and legacy of soldiers who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. Membership is open to anyone with direct lineage to a soldier that fought during the Civil War, or as an associate member who does not have direct lineage but “who demonstrates a genuine interest in the Civil War and can subscribe to the purpose and objects of the SUVCW.” Members must not have lineage to a soldier who has “voluntarily borne arms against the government of the United States” or have been “convicted of any infamous or heinous crime.” For further information or to join, please call Bill Browning at 404-953-2525, or send an email to SUVCWKennerGarrard@gmail.com. —Joe Parker
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Beacon of Hope ‘Amazing Grace Gala’ Sets goal of $250,000 to serve those facing unplanned pregnancies
Author Lysa Terkeurst is the guest speaker.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Each year, the Beacon of Hope gala provides 50 percent of the funds needed to sustain its services to women and men facing unplanned pregnancy in the North Fulton community. Funds raised by the Amaz-
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ing Grace Gala and Silent Auction help make it possible for Beacon of Hope to provide compassionate medical, emotional and long-term care that transforms and saves lives. When a woman walks through Beacon of Hope doors, she may be facing one of the most challenging times of her life. Beacon of Hope not only provides the medical services she is seeking but establishes a relationship that lets her know she is not alone. By providing compassionate support to the woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, they are also able to impact the unborn child and, in many cases, the father of the baby. The life change that begins when a young woman decides to continue her pregnancy or when a young man steps into the role of father has a ripple effect that affects the entire community. Guest speaker will be Lysa Terkeurst. After finding great healing in her local medical pregnancy center’s post-abortion Bible study, Terkeurst has
If you go What: Beacon of Hope When: Saturday, Feb. 28 6:30 to 10 p.m. Where: The Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta, 5750 Windward Parkway Alpharetta, Ga. 30005 More Info: www.abeaconofhope.com
gone on to be a voice for the unborn. Terkeurst’s personal adventure of following God captured national media attention when she and her husband adopted two teenage boys from a wartorn orphanage in Liberia, Africa. Terkeurst’s amazing story led to appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Morning America” and “The 700 Club” and in USA Today newspaper, among other media. Terkeurst’s ministry, Proverbs 31, encourages 500,000 women through their daily online devotional. She is also a New York Times bestselling author of 16 books.
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Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 13 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Roswell resident runs Alpharetta offers free for Fulton GOP chair child seat safety check ROSWELL, Ga. – Roswell resident Dave Rittenhouse announced Jan. 10 he is running for chairman of the Fulton County Republican Party (FCRP). Rittenhouse kicked of his campaign surrounded by friends and supporters who gathered at his Roswell home. “I would increase enthusiasm in the party by clearly articulating the principles of small and limited government and personal freedom,” he told supporters. He said he would also focus on attracting new members to the FCRP and push to increase Republican voter registration throughout Fulton County. Rittenhouse has been active in the Republican Party in many roles. He serves as House District 47 vice-chair and has actively supported candidates on the Republican ticket as a campaign volunteer.
He founded the Freedom and Liberty Coalition, a group whose mission is to unite disparate groups within the RITTENHOUSE Republican umbrella and focus on conservative issues. Rittenhouse is also active in his community. He has captained over 40 sports teams, is the president of Wexford Homeowners’ Association and was a past board member and treasurer of the neighborhood organization. Rittenhouse received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama, with a focus in finance and marketing. He is manager of new business development for
Glatfelter, a specialty paper manufacturer. He and his wife, Leigh, have lived in Fulton County for 22 years. Their son, Nathan, is a graduate of North Springs High School and MIT. For more on Rittenhouse’s campaign for Fulton County Republican Party chair, find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DaveForFreedom. —Jonathan Copsey
ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety will host a child safety seat checkup event. The event is free to the public. The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 1- 4 p.m. at Alpharetta’s Fire Station No. 1 located at 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 30009. National statistics indicate that four out of five child safety seats are misused every day in the United States. Alpharetta police officers and
firefighters who are state certified child safety technicians will be on hand to install, evaluate, adjust and demonstrate the proper methods of using a child restraint seat. Additional safety information will be made available at the event. Parents are encouraged to bring their infants or children and the car seat intended to be used to the event. It just might save a child’s life. —Jonathan Copsey
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Measles:
Measles and chicken pox are the poster children for contagious diseases. They are the ones that can just sweep through a population.”
Continued from Page 1 child’s doctor, McKenna said. The first is a medical exemption because the child has underlying immune problems or medical conditions that would put the child’s health at risk if inoculated. The second exemption would be on religious grounds. In that case, the parents would have to produce a notarized letter stating their religious objections. “In Fulton County, we have fairly low rates of people asking for those exemptions. With the
Symptoms of measles include: • Fever (can be very high) • Cough, runny nose, red eyes • Tiny white spots on the inner lining of the cheek – also called Koplik spots • Rash of tiny, red spots that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body (spots may become joined together as they spread) • There is no cure for measles, but measles can be prevented through vaccination. The measles vaccine (MMR) is highly effective, in most cases about 97 percent effective.
DR. MATTHEW McKENNA Fulton County Health Services medical director
current concern about measles, those schools that have relatively high incidences of exemption requests are making concerted efforts to convince those parents to get their children a shot,” McKenna said. If there is evidence in the community of measles spreading, the Health Department could require students who haven’t been inoculated for any reason to be kept at home until it is deemed safe for them to return. “Measles in the Western Hemisphere was eliminated over 10 years ago. That means there has been no person-toperson transmission in that time. All the measles that has occurred since then was a case of someone flying here who was already infected,” McKenna said. There are other parts of the
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country, particularly Southern California, where other exemptions such as “conscientious objection” are allowed. In those areas, the levels of children who are not immunized have dropped low enough for health departments to see secondary transmission. “People are getting infected within the country. And that causes a great deal of concern. The Centers for Disease Control [in Atlanta] has been actively monitoring the situation,” McKenna said. “Measles is an extraordinarily contagious disease,” he said. “It doesn’t take much – basically just being in the same room for a short period of time with someone who has the disease is enough.” A person may have the disease for three or four days before they show symptoms.
The risk for children can be great. When McKenna first entered public health in the late 1980s, there were 100 children in the United States who died each year from measles, he said. “Measles is nasty stuff,” he said. If an outbreak did occur in Fulton County, it is most probable that all children who were not vaccinated would be asked to leave the schools until the problem was resolved. The vaccine itself is very effective, a 97 percent rate of effectiveness, McKenna said. “But that means 30 out of every 1,000 vaccinated are not safe. As you multiply that by thousands and thousands of students, you can set up situ-
ations were transmissions [of measles] can occur. You need to be above 90 percent vaccinated in your schools,” he said. “Measles and chicken pox are the poster children for contagious diseases,” he said. “They are the ones that can just sweep through a population.” Fulton public schools are in the 98 percent vaccinated range. Private schools have not been as diligent but are “really cracking down.” And that was before the case in DeKalb was reported. “They are telling parents they don’t have to let children into school without their shots, and the private schools now are really strong-arming the parents to get their kids vaccinated,” he said.
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AHS speech team takes second in Atlanta competition ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta High School’s Alpha Speech Team brought home awards in multiple forensic categories at the final Georgia Forensic Coaches Association invitational meet of the year. Various high school teams from throughout the Southeast competed in the meet, which was held at Grady High School in Atlanta on Feb. 1. Alpharetta’s team took second place in the overall team sweepstakes in the tourna-
ment. Alpha team members placed first in humorous, dramatic and duo interpretation, with another 13 students placing in multiple events. The Alpha team picked up two more bids for a total of 32 qualifying entries to the varsity state championship tournament at the Marist School in Atlanta on March 6-8. For more information, visit http://alphadramaspeech.weebly.com/. –Adam Barth
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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 15
The Alpharetta High speech team poses with trophy and awards.
16 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
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Atlanta bank acquires CBB in $27.4 million transaction By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. – Community Business Bank of Cumming has been sold to Atlanta-based Community & Southern Bank. The $27.4 million deal, announced Jan. 30, will merge CBB’s two banking locations along the Ga. 400 corridor into Community & Southern’s network of 41 branches throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. “From our standpoint, it’s a great story making it through this economy with a victory,” said Community Business Bank Senior Vice President Grant Schmeelk. Founded seven years ago by Schmeelk, Carter Barrett and Chuck Welch, CBB launched during the height of the recession with $16.8 million in capital. Its assets today total $149 million. Under the arrangement with Community & Southern, the entire CBB team will remain in place to continue working to grow in that area, he said. When it was founded, Community Business Bank’s common stock was valued at $10 a share. The sale price places the value at $15 a share. “It’s a strong, 50 percent return for our 300 local shareholders,” Schmeelk said. “I think it gives us more power to grow this economy with [Southern’s] help, a bigger checkbook.” Schmeelk said he’s proud of the performance he and his partners turned in, growing revenues and establishing a
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name in the community over a time when close to 90 Georgia banks failed. “Our shareholders are local, our customers are local and our employees are local,” he said. “I’d say now we’ve got the strongest management team on the 400 corridor.” Barrett, president and chief executive officer of Community Business Bank, will become
regional president for North Atlanta with Community & Southern. He said the bank’s clients will benefit from being part of one of the strongest and most well capitalized financial institutions in the state. “We’ll be combining our existing team and their team into an even stronger team,” Barrett said. “Our focus will be developing the Ga. 400 cor-
ridor, from Sandy Springs to Dahlonega.” He said the combined operations will bring more resources to bear from the larger bank “while keeping our very gregarious team to help.” Community & Southern Bank has more than $3.4 billion in assets. Its president and CEO Pat Frawley said the acquisition will “signifi-
cantly expand our presence in Forsyth County and position Community & Southern Bank for future growth in one of the fastest growing markets in Georgia.” Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including customary regulatory approvals and the approval by CBB shareholders.
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Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 17
Prosperity depends on big, bold action Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.” The report, which reflects and synthesizes the views from more than 500 individuals surveyed and economic vital signs recorded, has been used to chart the North Georgia economy and real estate for more than 25 years. In late October, Native Intelligence was invited to speak with the business leadership of Lumpkin County about market conditions and a forecast for the region. Challenged to make it “fresh,” we dug deep into the raw numbers, interviewed a quick wide range of industry types, real estate folks and bankers and concentrated our public presentation on “Big, Bold Ideas” for Lumpkin. While the group was small, it was received enthusiastically and positively. The really big ones are generational. People are strange, on a micro-level. Everybody likes a new product, a new TV show, new software, a new smartphone. At the micro-level, people love change. At the macro-level, people hate change. Big, new ideas that challenge pre-conceptions make people angry. Big, bold, bodacious ideas we profess should push beyond a community’s comfort zone – not sting nor hurt, but challenge the existing status quo. It’s not thinking out-ofthe-box per-se, but increasing the size of one’s box. Big, bold ideas should capitalize on demographics, foundations of our infrastructure but should move the game board, create a fresh view of circumstances and of The Opportunity. Following our leadership theme for 2015’s Native Intelligence Forecast, we have dug deep into North Georgia’s raw data, expanded our survey and
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interview discussions across a wide swath of the region and digested those new age thoughts into several “Big, Bold Ideas.” Here is a sampling: Turn North Georgia into a second home mecca. We’re not just talking about the occasional second home purchase or mountain cabin construction, we’re talking about an all out – all in second-home marketing promotion mindset mecca. The base foundation has already been set. We have second homes built and used throughout the North Georgia region, but the geography is too compelling for us not to better capitalize on positioning. Two important demographic points should be considered. First, North Georgia with its rolling mountains, forested ridges and settled valleys sits directly on top of six million people (2014,) projected to grow to 12 million (2050). Geographically, it is one hour to one-and-a-half hours to the largest potential second-home buyer demographic in the South. The affluence of that cultural melting pot is largely executive, service sector employment bases and homeowners and is accessible via the great transportation pipelines built well into our North Georgia region. The demographics are ripe for stronger second-home demand. Our story is too compelling. Second and emerging is Atlanta is awakening as an international high tech, Gen X
migratory point. Over the last 10 years, a projected hundreds of thousands Gen Xers have relocated to Atlanta, primarily inside the Perimeter, and a youthful, vibrant, exciting and diverse business community has evolved. We read of major job announcements and technology wunderkind business start-ups. Mailchimp, Yik Yak, Pardot and others already in the metro Atlanta region like AT&T, World Pay and Athena Health seek expansion space closer to the core of the city and the epicenter of this energetic labor base. What we are witnessing is an urbanization of Atlanta, a melding of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead and an emergence of retro-fitted “urban” warrior communities like West Midtown, King Street, West End, Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown. But when demographics dig into the psycho-metrics of the demographic and look to similar communities around the country, they find this population to be young, affluent, energy sparked. More and more seek the “thrill of living in a cosmopolitan city by week and escaping by weekend to something different.” North Georgia is something different. Rock climbing, white water rafting, zip lines, rock cliffs, tracks, hiking, wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, camping, exploring, lake, mountains, rivers, fly fishing, forests; we are the right place, and the demographics are the right component. Second homes are a county’s best, purest tax revenue. The owners shop in our grocery stores, eat in our restaurants as regulars, play golf, hike, ski and leave their tax dollars behind. They rarely borrow a library book, access our social services, seek medical care, cause fire or police
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Listen to your employees’ opinions As a small business owner, do you make it a regular habit to listen to your employees’ opinions? Are your employees encouraged to speak out if they believe their opinion is worth sharing? Some of the best ideas in small businesses come from employees who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Providing them with the opportunity to be heard will reap significant benefits. Let every employee know that their opinion counts, and provide them with many ways to come forward with whatever is on their minds. This can be done either formally or informally, but employees need assurance that their feedback will not cost them their job. Just listening without taking action will negate your purpose. If an employee provides you their opinion, make it a
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priority to get back to them. Whether you do anything or not, be respectful that your employee took the time to share their opinion with you. At a minimum, you should at least take the time to acknowledge that. Listening to your employees’ opinions will help improve things and come up with new ideas. At the same time, it will help cultivate a collaborative culture at your small business. Listening to your employees’ opinions will ultimately help you to run your small business better.
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stress or, much less, vote and change the local political climate. Their needs are simple: environment, escape…something different. But to shift the chess board, we need to expand in three dimensions, play the game to win. Almost every community up our way plays to the occasional visitor, the annual adventure down the river, the annual Gold Rush pilgrimage, the annual apple picking in Ellijay or cutting a Christmas tree in Rabun County. The occasional tourist is the thrust of our business model. To win this gold, we need to shift our conventional
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Exide seeks approval for plan of reorganization MILTON, Ga. – Milton-based Exide Technologies is taking the next step toward reorganization. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has approved the adequacy of a disclosure statement with respect to Exide Technologies’ plan
of reorganization. With the court’s authorization, Exide will begin soliciting approval of the plan, and a hearing to decide the matter has been set for March 27. The reorganization plan, supported by two of the company’s principal credi-
tors, foresees reducing the company’s debt by $600 million. “This is a significant and meaningful step forward on the company’s path toward a consensual plan confirmation process and intended emergence from Chapter 11 by March 31,
2015,” said Robert M. Caruso, Exide president and chief executive officer. Exide Technologies manufactures and supplies lead-acid batteries for transportation and industrial application throughout the world.
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Morgan joins Keller Williams as home buyers’ specialist ROSWELL, Ga. — Donnie Morgan, a former firefighter from Valdosta, has joined Keller Williams Realty Consultants. Morgan specializes in the north metro area of Atlanta, first time home buyers and investment properties.
Harry Norman adds Forsyth agent
Onsite Shine opening third shop in Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. — Jim Thomas, founder of Onsite Shine, a luxury automotive and marine detailing shop and mobile detailing service, announced he is leasing the former Sky Wash building at 11865 Alpharetta Highway in Roswell. Thomas plans to renovate and expand the facility into an exclusive 3,000-square-foot detailing showroom, which will be his third detailing location. Thomas hopes to have the renovation completed by mid-March, at which time he will hold an open house and grand opening. For more information visit www.onsiteshine.com.
BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS? “Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast. They listen exceedingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.” – Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers
CUMMING, Ga. — Frederick Hogan has joined Harry Norman, Realtors at the company’s Forsyth County/Lake Lanier office. New to real estate, Hogan received his training from American Real Estate Schools. He graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in business finance and comes to the agency after working in information technology with Xerox.
Hitzel joins Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Janet Hitzel recently joined Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners as a real estate agent in its Suwanee office. Hitzel will be focusing on working with buyers and sellers in the North Atlanta area. A native of northern New Jersey, she now lives with her family in Alpharetta. She can be reached at 678-825-7382, listwithjanet@gmail.com or janethitzel.yourkwagent.com.
Aiken joins Keller Williams Community Partners CUMMING, Ga. — Jacqueline Arthur, managing broker of Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming, welcomed Robert Aiken to one of the top ranked and fastest growing Keller Williams offices along the Ga. 400 Corridor. “Aiken brings over 35 years of experience as a real estate broker to our team specializing in farms Aiken and land, new homes and luxury properties,” Arthur said. Aiken can be reached at 706-429-8620.
EVENTS »
Chamber seeks sponsorships for Golf and Tennis Classic Call today for your free IT assesment.
– Tyler Jones, Principal
678-224-8000 • www.CarmichaelConsulting.net
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for its annual Golf and Tennis Classic, scheduled for March 30 at Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road. The golf tournament will begin with registration
at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Tennis registration is at 12:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. start. An awards dinner and reception will be held at 4 p.m. For information about sponsorships, contact Maria Rose or Robin Buckley at 770-495-0545 or Fred Van Patten at 678-273-4059. More information can be found at johnscreekchamber.com.
Local attorney to speak at justice convention JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Local trial attorney Render C. Freeman has been invited to speak at the winter convention of the American Association for Justice Feb. 21-25, in Palm Springs, California. Freeman will speak on the topic of jury selection. A 20-year resident of Johns Creek, Freeman is a partner with Freeman Andersen, Tate & Carr in Duluth and has been a Georgia trial attorney for over 20 years. He has been elected by the National Trial Lawyers to “The Top 100 Trial Lawyers” and, since 2014, has been designated as a Georgia Super Lawyer in the practice area of personal injury. Since 2005, Freeman has carried an “AV” rating from the Martindale-Hubbell National Legal Directory, the highest such designation given for both lawyer competence and integrity.
Health care to be topic of chamber breakfast JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Dr. Manfred Sandler of the Cardiovascular Group and Jayne Kulp, director of cardiovascular services at Gwinnett Medical Center, will be the featured speakers at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce monthly membership breakfast. The breakfast runs from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Feb. 19 at The Standard Club, 6230 Abbotts Bridge Road. The meeting will also include city updates, community information and member highlights. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for guests.
BUSINESS »
Hotelier taps Agilysys system for cost-saving measures ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Resorts World Bimini has selected a cost-reduction system from Agilysys to automate processes at its 480-unit resort. The company will also use Agilysys’ Stratton Warren System at a new 305-room luxury hotel scheduled to open later this year. The system is an inventory and procurement solution that maximizes purchasing power and reduces operational costs. It automates the entire procurement process and identifies the most suitable suppliers, reducing labor costs and waste.
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EDITOR’S PICKS
Submit your event online at miltonherald.com
Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 19
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Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
Roswell’s 11th annual poetry slam during which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience at Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta Street in Roswell. Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit roswellroots.com for more info. $1,000 cash prize
EVENTS:
GEORGE PRICE
A special performance by composer and bluesman George Price, including a tribute to the dearly departed Joe Cocker at The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at thevelvetnote.com.
What: We are sincerely grateful to those who are able to donate. Each blood donation can save the lives of up to 3 people. Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Road in Cumming When: Sunday, Feb. 22 Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online: redcrossblood.org
SEED PROPAGATION WORKSHOP
What: Save money and expand your choices by starting plants from seed in this hands‐on workshop from the Master Gardneners Where: Coal Mountain Park, 3560 Settingdown Road in Cumming When: Thursday, Feb. 19 Hours: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call: 770-887-2418 Online: ugaextension.com/forsyth
Performing Arts North presents ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare at The Dancing Goat Theatre, 10700 State Bridge Road in Johns Creek. Feb. 20 through 22, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18. Visit performingartsnorth.org for more info.
THEATER:
FRIENDSHIP FORCE MEETING
Who: Friendship Force International, a nonprofit that encourages travel and friendship across geographical and cultural lines. Where: Muirfield Clubhouse in Windermere, 6215 Marlow Drive Cumming When: Sunday Feb. 22 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact: Fred Mullins, fredmullinsatl@gmail.com for reservations and info
FOOTLOOSE
What: Performances of “Footloose” When: Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Where: Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road Cost: $15 adults; $12 students. Web: johnscreektheatre.com
‘FIRST TOP GUN’ TALK
What: Hear the author of “First Top Guns.” present on black soldiers in WWII aviation history with a special focus on the Tuskegee Airmen of Georgia. Where: Roswell Branch Library, 115 Norcross Street When: Saturday, Feb. 21 Hours: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Web: roswellroots.com
ROMEO AND JULIET
Hours: Introduction for 9th graders at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:15 p.m. Contact: chamblessa@fultonschools. org
SPORTS:
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All are invited to Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road in Milton, to celebrate the opening of the city’s newest park by dancing to tunes from a local string band, enjoying food truck treats and hot chocolate. Saturday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contact courtney.spriggs@ cityofmiltonga.us for more info.
ST. BRENDAN’S BLOOD DRIVE
FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDS
What: Come out to experience live birds, live music, and leave with a greater appreciation for our feathered friends. Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell When: Saturday, Feb. 21 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Web: chattnaturecenter.org Info: Pre-registration required
KICK OFF JAMBOUREE
RUMC PRESENTS OKLAHOMA! CHS CHEER TRYOUTS
What: Informational tryout meeting for those interested in the football sideline/competition cheer team. Where: Band room at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend in Milton When: Thursday, Feb. 26
What: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Presented by Roswell UMC’s Acting Up. When: Saturday, Feb. 20 Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 general admission, $25 reserved seats Info: Friday night only Web: rumcactingup.webs.com
schools
20 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
School officials keep close eye on western measles outbreak Vaccination among students here is over 98 percent By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup. com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Keeping the community protected from contagious diseases – primarily those that are considered preventable – depends on what health officials call “herd immunity” or “community immunity.” The premise is if the vast majority of people are vaccinated from these diseases, it protects those who are not, or cannot, be vaccinated since the risk of outbreak is low, according to health officials. The threshold varies, but for most contagious diseases, there needs to be between 85 to 90 percent of the population vaccinated in order for herd immunity to be successful, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). School systems provide the perfect environment to spread infections, with lots of kids of varying ages, packed together and in constant contact. For that reason, Georgia state law requires all students to be vaccinated against the most common infectious diseases, but does allow religious and medical exemptions. In the Fulton County School System, health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak of measles in more than a dozen states across the nation. The outbreak was most likely started by a foreign tourist visiting a popular amusement park. As of mid-February, more than 100 chil-
We have information from the Georgia Department of Public Health and Fulton County Health Department regarding the measles outbreak and have shared this information with our school nurses and clinic workers in the schools.” Lynne Meadows Coordinator of SHS
includes proof of vaccination against measles and many other contagious diseases. Of the nearly 14,000 students enrolled in kindergarten and seventh grade in Fulton County, only 10 students have medical exemptions and 216 claim religious waivers – a compliance rate of over 98 percent. Meadows said parents who choose not to vaccinate their children are informed of the reasons why the state requires vaccinations. “Children who have not been vaccinated of course run the risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. Upon enrollment into school, parents/guardians are provided with information regarding the immunization requirements for school entry, which is Georgia law,” said Meadows. Some states, including California, are considering legislation that would remove waivers from vaccinations, but for now, that sentiment is not taking hold in the South. Georgia also allows a 30-day window for unvaccinated students to get needed immunizations if they do not submit a waiver. “Changing the current vaccination policy would be a state decision,” Rex T. Grizzle, Owner said MeadLocally Owned and Operated ows, noting 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 the Fulton School FUNERAL DIRECTORS 770-645-1414 System has info@northsidechapel.com and CREMATORY no plans to www.northsidechapel.com change any policies on its own. dren in 17 states have come down with the measles, although no deaths have been reported yet. Though these numbers are low, any outbreak is cause for concern since measles have been considered eradicated from the United States since 2000 because of successful vaccination. The first case in Georgia was reported Feb 9. “The Office of Student Health Services (SHS) for Fulton Schools is closely monitoring the measles outbreak occurring across the country,” said Lynne Meadows, coordinator of SHS. “We have information from the Georgia Department of Public Health and Fulton County Health Department regarding the measles outbreak and have shared this information with our school nurses and clinic workers in the schools.”One issue facing health and medical workers is that most have never seen an active case of the measles, so sharing information is critical in stopping the spread. The vaccination compliance level is high in Fulton Schools, said Meadows. Students entering kindergarten and seventh grade, or enrolling for the first time in the system, must submit a current immunization certificate that
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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 21
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22 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
‘Seussical the Musical Jr.’ to be performed at Elkins Pointe Two shows Feb. 21 at 1, 5 p.m.
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ROSWELL, Ga. – Enter the magical and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss , as Platinum Dream Team brings beloved childhood favorite Horton the Elephant and his friends the Whos to the stage Feb. 21. This fanciful show is for children of all ages. High energy song and dance and a world of color and imagination await in this fun-filled production. “Seussical the Musical Jr.” shares its message of acceptance and kindness toward all, as Horton reminds us that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” From his example, Horton teaches the importance of loyalty, follow through, perseverance and faithfulness. The show mirrors that of “Horton Hears a Who!” centering on Horton the Elephant’s endeavors to protect the people of Who-ville, who live on a tiny speck of dust. It also features characters and scenarios from many other Seuss books including
If you go What: “Seussical the Musical Jr.” When: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Feb. 21 Where: Elkins Pointe Middle School stage, 11290 Elkins Road, Roswell Tickets: $12 More Info: www.platinumschoolofperformingarts. com or call 770-8658023
Gertrude McFuzz, the Grinch and the Fish of McElligot’s Pool. The Cat in the Hat also makes a star studded turn on the stage as “your host and emcee,” and causes a little mischief along the way. “Seussical the Musical Jr.” by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty debuted on Broadway in 2000. After a Broadway run, the production spawned two U.S. tours and a U.K. tour.
It has become a new modern musical favorite for adults and children alike. Platinum Dream Team Musical Theater Company is an audition-based children’s theater troupe based in Roswell/ Alpharetta. Performers’ ages range from 5-17 years old. Co-directors are Tequila Wilkes and Mel Salcedo. Performances will be Sat-
urday, Feb. 21 in two showings – a matinee at 1 p.m. and an evening performance at 5 p.m. – at Elkins Pointe Middle School, 11290 Elkins Road, Roswell. Tickets are $12. For more information regarding the show or Platinum School of Performing Arts, email PlatinumSOPA@gmail.com or call 770-865-8023. —Jonathan Copsey
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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 23
Crabapple Middle to perform ‘Hairspray Jr.’ ROSWELL, Ga. – Students at Crabapple Middle School will present their production of “Hairspray Jr.” beginning March 13 at 7 p.m. The family-friendly show captures the spirit and turmoil of 1962 Baltimore through laughter, dance, romance and song. “Hairspray Jr.” is a dynamic musical with an important message for children of all ages. It teaches that acceptance comes in all shapes, sizes and races. Throughout
their rehearsal and production process, the students have explored ideas such as civil rights and discrimination, all within the context of a period of tremendous social and historical significance. The story follows Tracy Turnblad, a full-figured girl with full-figured hair and a big heart, who has only one passion – to dance. When her determination and rock ‘n roll moves land her a spot on a local television dance program,
“The Corny Collins Show,” she is transformed from an outsider to an irrepressible teen celebrity. This trendsetter in dance and fashion uses her fame to win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, challenge the program’s reigning princess Amber and rally against racial segregation. “Hairspray Jr.” is based on the 1988 New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, which inspired the “bouffant” Broadway pro-
duction. The production ran for over 2,500 performances and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Crabapple Middle School production will run March 13 at 7 p.m., March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 15 at 3 p.m. at the Milton Center theater (86 School Drive, Alpharetta). Tickets are $12. For more information, email Gina Bauer at ginabauer417@gmail. com, or contact Crabapple Middle School at 770-552-
If you go
What: “Hairspray Jr.” When: Various times, March 13 – 15 Where: The Milton Center theater, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta, Ga. 30076 More Info: crabapplemiddleschool.org 4520 or crabapplemiddleschool.org. —Adam Barth
24 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
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In front, from left, are Paris Mitchell, Ethan Rainey, Joseph Mosele, Leah Stevens, Tony Mosele, Suzy Crowe (career tech department chair), Avanthika Ramesh and Jaya Gupta. In back are Marissa Marshall, Erin O’Neal, Chris Lucas, Matthew Reck, Claire Mathews, Emma Vincola, Donnielle Gray and Ankita Mohapatra.
Milton FBLA team advances to state ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Milton High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter competed in the regional conference held in Alpharetta on Jan. 20. Career tech teacher Suzy Crowe led the team. The following students placed in the competition. First and second place winners will advance to the state competitions in March. • First place, 3D animation: Paris Mitchell, Ethan Rainey • First place, electronic career portfolio: Avanthika Ramesh
• First place, website design: Matt Reck • First place, sales presentation B: Ankita Mohapatra • Second place, 3D animation: Chris Lucas, Erin O’Neal • Third place, electronic career Portfolio: Jaya Gupta • Third place, job interview: Marissa Marshall • Super team qualifiers advancing to state: Matt Campbell (management decision making), Donnielle Gray (marketing)
Winners, from left, are Adithya Chimalakonda, Nishant Baglodi, Aratrika Kar and Urjoshi Kar.
Hopewell MS students win at Fulton Technology Competition NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Hopewell Middle School had four students win first place in the Fulton County Technology Competition. • Adithya Chimalakonda won in digital video production. • Nishant Baglodi won in mobile ap-
plications. • Aratrika Kar and Urjoshi Kar won in animated graphic design. Each student will participate in the state competition March 7 at the Macon campus of Middle Georgia State College and University.
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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 25
Roswell students write, direct plays
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By ADAM BARTH news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – The annual Roswell High School Short Attention Span Theatre (SAST) took place last weekend showcasing student-written plays, shorts and monologues. The idea of SAST is to allow students the chance to write, cast, direct and produce their own works. SAST has been a tradition at Roswell for eight years under the instruction of drama director Kristi Ogle. “The history of SAST goes back to 2008 and a Roswell student named Will Carter. We’ve all come a long way since then, but Will was my first student to write and direct his own play.” said Ogle “It is a project that I love, for obvious reasons.” Madison Gibson, a senior at Roswell and head of the Roswell Theatre Troupe, wrote and directed “Game Night,” a short about the trials and
Katie Coe performing her own monologue entitled “My Name Is Not Attention Deficit Disorder”. tribulations surrounding a game of Monopoly. “Short Attention Span Theatre is my absolute favorite production we put on at Roswell High School,” said Gibson. “It gives me the opportunity to work with new actors and try out different directing styles.” SAST also included monologues performed by various students of all grade levels.
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The cast of “Game Night” is pictured arguing over a game of Monopoly. From left: Lilly Gonzalez, Anthony Raffa, Jordan Dillehay and Katie Coe.
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26 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
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King’s Ridge Christian could be ‘healthiest school in country’ ALPHARETTA, Ga. – High school students at King’s Ridge Christian School have been identified as attending perhaps “the healthiest school in the country” after completing a survey to measure the use, perceptions and attitudes about alcohol and drug use. As the 14-year-old independent school prepares their ninth class of college-bound graduates, King’s Ridge leaders sought a way to assess the culture surrounding substance abuse among the high school student body. The school engaged the expertise of FCD Education Services, a global nonprofit substance prevention organization. FCD helps provide private, public and parochial
school students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy decisions about drug and alcohol use. FCD partnered with the independent school in September 2014 to administer an online survey to 202 high school students. The survey is highly complex in design with credibility checks throughout to identify errant participants. Survey outcomes noted that King’s Ridge Christian School students are not following the same behaviors seen in the typical high school setting, in which substance abuse is a
form of entertainment, a way to reduce anxiety and a rite of passage for acceptance into peer groups. “There are unbelievably great numbers of students who have never had a whole drink of alcohol,” reported Renee Soulis, a senior prevention specialist with FCD. “The survey results of the King’s Ridge students are incredibly well below national norms for teenage substance abuse in that 96 percent of King’s Ridge students don’t drink and 98 percent never use marijuana.” The results were communicated independently to the
high school students, faculty and parents. “You have an outrageously healthy environment in respect to substance abuse and could easily be called the healthiest school in the country,” Soulis said. “We believe in filling the emotional cup of our students as they learn to identify and accept their uniqueness as individuals in the journey for life impact experience,” said Lowrie McCown, associate head of school. “Our students understand that they are a work in progress and know they have a highly structured network of support amongst their peers, teachers and a faith-integrated high school program.” Ninety-two percent of the
students surveyed felt teachers and staff care for them as individuals, and 88 percent felt valued as a person. “The survey results are very encouraging,” said Jeff Pickren, dean of students. “This is not to say there aren’t students using alcohol or drugs, it’s just that they are in the vast minority of our student body. “While we were thrilled with the survey results, the last thing we can to do is to sit back and become complacent,” he said. “We will continue to be vigilant to monitor and encourage our students that there are healthy alternatives to relieving stress and others ways to become engaged in a community beyond substance abuse.” –Adam Barth
Georgia Philharmonic to perform at Cambridge MILTON, Ga. – Cambridge High School will host the Georgia Philharmonic and their production “From Darkness to Light” on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Pieces include Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration,” Musso-
rgsky’s “Introduction to Khovanshchina” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Russian Easter Festival.” Tickets range from $10 to $30 and can be purchased at http://www. georgiaphilharmonic.org. – Joe Parker
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Cambridge High students participate in All State Reading Chorus MILTON, Ga. – Three Cambridge High School students performed with the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Reading Chorus in Savannah. Cate Boyle, Sarah Clements and Marta Palombo were selected through a statewide audition process
for evaluating skills in sight reading music. The students spent two days sight reading over 70 compositions while being conducted by Dr. Stanley L. Roberts, associate dean and professor of choral conducting at Mercer University. – Joe Parker
schools
miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 27
From left to right: Sarah Clements, guest conductor Dr. Stanley L. Roberts, Marta Palombo, and Cate Boyle.
Milton High wind ensemble performs in Savannah SAVANNAH, Ga. – On Jan. 30, Milton High School’s wind ensemble performed before an audience at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) conference in Savannah. The ensemble auditioned to perform at the event and was invited to Savannah along with various other wind ensembles. The group performed for an audience of friends and admirers as well as leading school, collegiate and professional wind band conductors. “The musicianship demonstrated by these students created a buzz among the confer-
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ence attendees, and messages of thanks, praise and appreciation continue to come in. “I couldn’t be more proud of the performance or the way the Milton High School wind ensemble represented our program, school, community and district,” said Chris Shumick, Milton’s director of bands. The group also performed for the University of South Carolina’s Band Clinic, Saturday, Feb. 14. For more information, visit www.miltonband.org. —Adam Barth
The Milton High wind ensemble poses at the GMEA conference in Savannah.
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28 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald
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Alpharetta honors first responders Annual ceremony Jan. 30 By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Each year for the past decade, the city of Alpharetta holds an award ceremony for its public safety personnel to tell them what they often do not get to hear – good job. The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety held its 10th annual awards ceremony Jan. 30 at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Each year, the agency holds its awards event to publically acknowledge the outstanding work done by Alpharetta’s public safety staff during the year. It is also a time to recognize those staff members who made a contribution to the Alpharetta community or those who performed heroic acts or deeds during their performance of duty. “I am so appreciative of these award recipients and their dedication to our community,” said Gary George, Public Safety director. “We are fortunate to have one of the best
public safety departments in the entire Southeast because of the outstanding support by our elected officials and from the Alpharetta community. “It’s important for our elected officials, city officials, employees and their families, invited guests and, of course, our citizens to come together to show their support for these award recipients,” he said. Taking home the Director’s Award was Piper Williams, a supervisor of the department’s records unit. “It’s for her dedication to the citizens that came to us
PHOTOS BY CLAYTON CAMERACRAFT
Public Safety Director Gary George, left, and Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle speak at the Alpharetta Public Safety Awards.
RE 2015 O ST CH E R E R MA H T NS E OP
PHOTOS BY CLAYTON CAMERACRAFT
Alpharetta Community of Excellence (A.C.E.) Officer of the Year Officer Maurice Bradford, third from right, is honored.
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for services and how she has supervised and instilled complete teamwork throughout the records unit that got her the Director’s Award,” said George. Williams was credited with streamlining the unit to make
it more efficient and effective in delivering services to residents, such as getting licenses, permits and copies of reports. She was also instrumental in organizing the complete functioning of the records unit.
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Basketball roundup »
sports
miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 29
4 North Fulton teams finish unbeaten in league play Raiders, BT boys, both St. Francis teams take titles By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Four North Fulton basketball teams captured regular season region or sub-region titles, with all four finishing the season without a loss in region or subregion play. The Alpharetta boys scored a pair of wins over Centennial and Northview to finish the season 18-0 in Region 6-AAAAAA. The Raiders (21-4) were ranked 10th in the state heading into the region tournament this week at Chattahoochee. A victory Wednesday would earn the Raiders a state tournament berth and a spot in the region semifinals Friday at 8:30 p.m. The finals will be played Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Blessed Trinity boys went 10-0 in their 4-AAA subregion, keyed by a 56-43 win at home last week over Westminster, which came into the game 7-1 in the sub-region. The Titans were scoreless for the first four minutes, with Westminster leading 3-0 before the Titans scored the next 14 points as part of a 24-4 run. The Wildcats ended the first half outscoring BT 9-0, and scored the first seven points of the third period to close within
24-23. Kyle Swade and Cameron Johnson, who scored 18 and 14 points respectively to lead the Titans, sparked an 8-0 burst and Jackson Svete scored all nine of his points in the fourth quarter as BT pulled away. The Titans (21-4) are ranked eighth in Class AAA and opened play in the 4-AAA tournament Wednesday at Douglass. They need a win to advance to the state tournament. The St. Francis boys closed out a 12-0 record in their 6-A sub-region with a 48-23 win last Friday night at Mount Pisgah. The Knights (22-3) are ranked No. 1 in the state and in the Class A private school power rankings. They are playing in the region tournament this week at Whitefield Academy. Mount Pisgah played a spread, slowdown offense in the first half and trailed 23-14 after Aaron Winchester hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the second period. After missing their first shot of the third quarter, the Patriots elected to hold the ball for the rest of the period and the Knights allowed them to do so. Mount Pisgah attempted a long three-pointer with about 10 seconds left and missed, and St. Francis standout Kobi Jordan-Simmons drilled a three at the buzzer for the only scoring in the quarter. Simmons put on a display
State: Continued from Page 1 30 Wednesday night to advance to the semifinals Friday vs. Johns Creek, which got past tournament host Chattahoochee 57-50. Centennial won 56-40 over North Forsyth, and played Lambert Friday in the other semifinal. The region championship and consolation games were played Saturday. The region semifinals and championship took place after the Milton Herald’s deadline. Four Forsyth girls’ teams played in Friday’s semifinals, with Northview the only North Fulton team to win a game. Northview defeated Johns Creek 52-41 in the first round, but lost 58-43 to top seed South Forsyth in the quarterfinals. Milton advanced to the semifinals in the Region 5-AAAAAA tournament at Roswell with a 56-50 win last Wednesday over Walton. The Eagles played Pope in the semifinals Friday. Wheeler and Cherokee met in the other semifinal, after Cherokee eliminated Roswell in the quarterfinals Wednesday. The Roswell girls won their tournament opener 56-48 over Walton before losing to Pope 52-43 in the quarterfinals. The Blessed Trinity boys defeated
befitting his standing as one of the top-ranked juniors in the country, outscoring the Patriots by himself with 27 points. The St. Francis girls also went 12-0, winning for the third time in four nights by a 74-28 margin over Mount Pisgah. St. Francis led 24-7 after one quarter, with Abby Grant connecting on a trio of three-pointers in the period and Nichel Tampa adding eight points. Grant finished with 27 points, hitting nine of 12 three-pointers, and Tampa contributed 11 points and 12 assists. Kasiyahna Kushkituah added 13 points, and freshman Jala Jordan had 10 for St. Francis (21-3), who, like the boys, are No. 1 in Class A and the private school power rankings. The Region 7-AAAAA tournament began last weekend, and the Cambridge boys won their first round game 70-65 Saturday over tournament host Creekview. The Bears, who finished fourth in their sub-region at 6-6, improved to 11-15 overall. Cambridge led 38-21 at the half and held on despite a 29-point fourth quarter by Creekview. The Cambridge girls (4-8, 9-17) lost their region tournament opener 43-32 to Cass. The Milton boys finished third in Region 5-AAAAAA, winning 51-45 Friday at Roswell. Quarte Sapp led a balanced Milton attack with 15 points. The Eagles (11-5, 15-
Washington 51-31 in the 4-AAA tournament last Wednesday at Douglass and were scheduled to play South Atlanta in Friday’s semifinals. The BT girls won their opener 55-40 over North Clayton and then played against Westminster with a state playoff berth on the line. The Cambridge boys won their opener 70-65 over 7-AAAAA tournament host Creekview before losing 68-45 Wednesday against Rome. Both St. Francis teams easily won their openers in the 6-A tournament at Whitefield Academy, and played North Fulton opponents in the semifinals Thursday. The St. Francis girls defeated North Cobb Christian 84-20, and the boys won 83-43 over Mount Paran. The St. Francis girls were scheduled to play their semifinal game against Fellowship Christian, which defeated Mount Zion 46-27, while the boys faced Mount Pisgah, which also defeated Mount Zion 59-34. All four teams are among the top 16 in the power rankings that determine state qualifiers in Class A, with the Mount Pisgah girls, who did not qualify for the region tournament, also among the top 16 in the final ranking of the regular season. The boys’ teams in AAAAAA and AAA begin play in the state tournament Wednesday, with semifinal winners playing at home in the first round and semifi-
Sol Sims / www.SolarviewPhotography.com
Blessed Trinity’s Cameron Johnson darts through the lane. 10) gave state No. 1 Wheeler a battle earlier in the week, losing 54-44, with Chris Lewis
scoring 20 points. The Eagles began play in the region tournament Wednesday at Roswell.
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nal losers playing away games. The Class A tournament begins next weekend.
Contact Chad Eby 706-633-9322
30 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald
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Getting to know ‘Bachelorette’ Ashley Salter Milton grad finding fame on “The Bachelor” By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com Ashley Salter has packed a lot of living into her 24 years, and is still only about five minutes into what is likely to be her 15 minutes of fame. But something about Salter feels like it may just stretch a bit beyond that. A Milton High School and Auburn University graduate, Salter was among the 30 women culled from thousands looking for a shot at love and marriage on this season’s “The Bachelor.” The show remains a big draw, and within the group of female contestants, a few emerge more notable than the rest. This season, Salter, or “Ashley S. from Brooklyn, N.Y.” as she was referenced, became one of the more well-known contestants, despite the fact she, alas, did not get the final rose. Salter laughs when she talks about the New York tag, noting she has not lived in New York for long and her DNA is much more Georgia Peach than New York Apple. “When I found out I was cast, I lived in Brooklyn, and so they always referred to me on the show as ‘Ashley S. from Brooklyn, N.Y.’ Obviously I am not from Brooklyn,” laughed Ashley, recognizing perhaps that New York City might fit the script better than suburban Atlanta. On a visit back to Alpharetta, she spent time with Northside Woman magazine.
While I was there, I interviewed with salons and ended up getting a job offer on the spot at an Aveda salon in the Lower East Side. So I ended up staying – I didn’t go back home. My parents had to bring my clothes to me since I only had a few things. I found a place in Brooklyn and commuted into the city for work. What is life like in New York City? New York City is so urban, with such a great mix of generations, races, cultures, values, so everyone is very open and accepting. One thing I really appreciate is the ease of public transportation (the subway is always full of surprises) and the walkability to most anything, any time of day. You can have any kind of food delivered to your door, even milk and cookies. And then there’s shopping. Ahhhhhhhh… Love the shopping! I love New York…it is just full of energy. What did you miss most about Georgia? The thing I missed most about Georgia was the sense of community, particularly in the Alpharetta area, and my family and friends. And all of the outdoor activities, like swimming, golfing, tennis and cycling. It’s hard to find that in the city. I didn’t have a lot of down-time in New York – you really have to work to live there. One of my must-do’s when I’m back home is I have to eat at Milton’s. That is my absolute favorite local restaurant.
Surprisingly, the girls on the show are all great women, and through the process, I ended up making a lot of new friends. A couple of them will definitely be lasting friendships.
How did you end up in New York City from Alpharetta? When I graduated from Auburn, my parents allowed me to attend cosmetology school, which is something I had always wanted to do. I attended The Aveda Institute in Buckhead for a year. After I graduated, I went to visit a friend in New York City for what was supposed to be a quick visit.
Okay, onto “The Bachelor.” How did you end up as a contestant? I didn’t audition – I was nominated by a friend a year before they contacted me. I didn’t know my friend had nominated me, so when the show contacted me, I honestly thought it was a joke at first. From there, the interview process included meeting with casting directors and producers. I really don’t know how many candidates there were, but I know there were a lot. The show is cast from all over
Even though Ashley Salter lives in the Big Apple now, she still calls Alpharetta home. the country and Canada. This season, there were 30 girls selected, which was the largest group in “Bachelor” history. Once you decided to be a contestant, what was your goal going in? My goal was to take this opportunity to meet a really great guy and to see what would come of it. You can’t negotiate love. I was definitely interested in meeting (bachelor) Chris Soules, and if nothing came of it, then it would still be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I told myself going in, “If I can’t laugh at myself at the end of the day, then I’ll come home,” and that’s what I did. I have watched “The Bachelor” since Season I, but the experience of being on it was nothing like I expected. So, give us a peek inside the California mansion with
30 other contestants. Is it really the constant drama we see on television? Well, it is reality TV. There have been some surprises watching the episodes airing now because when the other girls are having one-on-one time with Chris, or out on a one-on-one or group date that you’re not on, you really have no idea what is happening or what conversations they’re having with one another, so that’s been interesting (as I watch it now). Tell me something that people would find surprising about your experience. Surprisingly, the girls on the show are all great women, and through the process, I ended up making a lot of new friends. A couple of them will definitely be lasting friendships. They’re all great people, and we were all there for the same purpose.
Tell me about the filming process. When did it start, how long did it last? Filming started in September, and depending on how long you make it through the season is how long the filming is. (Note: Ashley made it through three rounds of “rose ceremonies” before being eliminated in the fourth week. She was among the final 15 of 30 contestants.) Looking back, is being on “The Bachelor” something you would do again? And would you recommend others to give it a try? I don’t regret it. And, as far as would I recommend it to others, that’s not a question I can answer. To each their own. I know the show is not for everyone, but if someone really wants to try it, then I say, go for it.
schools
miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 31
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Cambridge HS student wins first at Fulton Technology Competition MILTON, Ga. – Andrew Mattie, Cambridge HS Junior, took first place at the 14 th Annual Fulton County Technology Competition for his mobile app . This is his third straight
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32 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
varsity briefs Send us your news! Email to news@appenmediagroup.com More Info: 770-442-3278
Northern Illinois University DEKALB, Ill. – Richard Mitacek of Johns Creek has graduated from the University of Northern Illinois. Mitacek
earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business.
Clarkson University POTSDAM, N.Y. – Amoge Okolie of Suwanee is attending Clarkson University as an incoming freshman for the fall 2014 semester. Okolie will be majoring in chemical engineering.
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GA Southwestern State University AMERICUS, Ga. – The following local students made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State: Brennan Bauschka of Alpharetta, Matthew Dean of Cumming, Lindsey Fetner of Duluth and Cindy Ring of Suwanee. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a
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grade point average of 3.5 or better and take a minimum 12 credit hours.
Laura Rusinyak of Suwanee, master’s degree in teaching in early childhood education.
Wofford College
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SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Kevin Patrick Hady of Johns Creek and Logan Mackenzie Morris of Suwanee both made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Wofford College.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Andrew Kim of Johns Creek has begun studies at New York’s Pratt Institute. Kim is one of 835 students selected from more than 7,300 applicants.
St. Scholastica College
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DULUTH, Minn. – Lasaunia Johnson of Alpharetta graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a master’s degree in health information management.
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WALESKA, Ga. – The following local students graduated from Reinhardt University following the 2014 spring semester: Alex Kaplan of Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in biology; Shane Turner of Alpharetta, master’s degree in business administration; Andrea Wilson of Duluth, bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing; Jeremy Burns of Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing; and
AUBURN, Ala. – Zachary Gunnz of Alpharetta was awarded the National Collegiate Scholar Award as a freshman at Auburn University because of his grade point average. After graduating from Alpharetta High School with honors, he was accepted into Auburn’s chemical engineering program.
University of Delaware NEWARK, Del. – Jason Derene of Milton and Laura George of Alpharetta both made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at the University of Delaware. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.3 or better.
See VARSITY NEWS, Page 33
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Varsity News: Continued from Page 32
St. Bonaventure University ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Jaisree Iyer of Duluth made the 2014 Dean’s List at St. Bonaventure University.
Wheaton College WHEATON, Ill. – April Sylvester of Duluth and Elizabeth Schriver of Alpharetta both made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Wheaton College. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better and take a minimum 12 credit hours.
Bucknell University LEWISBURG, Pa. – Tyler Whitehead of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bucknell University.
Cornell University ITHACA, N.Y. – The following local students made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Cornell University: Haritha Aribindi of Alpharetta, Swetha Aribindi of Alpharetta, Ivan Kang of Johns Creek, Linda He of Johns Creek, HaeSoo Cheon of Cumming and Hailin Liu of Duluth.
Armstrong Atlantic State Univ SAVANNAH, Ga. – The following students were named to Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Dean’s List for the spring 2014 semester: Christina Beasley, radiologic
sciences, Suwanee; Michael Beaton, information technology, Suwanee; Jasmine Dias, theater, Johns Creek; David Jones, business economics, Suwanee; Karisa Reihing, health science, Alpharetta; Jessica Schlender, psychology, Alpharetta; and Hayley Thacher, nursing, Alpharetta.
Eastern New Mexico University PORTALES, N.M. – Stefanie Fugarino of Suwanee graduated from Eastern New Mexico University on May 10.
University of North Georgia DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The following University of North Georgia students were initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Lori Hansen, Cumming; Ashley Hamby, Milton; Ellie Purdy, Cumming; and Jennifer Gilley, Cumming.
Creighton University OMAHA, Neb. – Yongchan Gil of Duluth was named to the 2014 spring semester Dean’s List at Creighton University.
Westminster School SIMSBURY, Conn. – Lauren Boures of Johns Creek earned the Westminster School Academic Honor for the spring 2014 semester.
Clemson University CLEMSON, S.C. – The following local students have enrolled in the fall semester at Clemson University. Joseph T.
miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | February 18, 2015 | 33
Arlotto, Roswell, environmental and natural resources; Matthew Lytle Beatty, Roswell, general engineering; Kathryn L. Bishop, Alpharetta, nursing; Madison P. Boyk, Alpharetta, psychology; Grant William Brown, Alpharetta, pre-business; Kennedy K. Chambers, Cumming, animal and veterinary science; Amanda M. Cochran, Roswell, nursing; Kenneth D. Cornwall, Johns Creek, graphic communications; Diana L. Davidson, Johns Creek, English; Karina Chandler Delbeau-Charles, Milton, biological sciences; Leland J. Dunwoodie, Milton, pre-professional health sciences; Jeremy Ryan Fedrigon, Milton, general engineering. Claire Brown Gagnier, Cumming; Katherine C. Gerlach, Milton, pre-professional health sciences; Caleb Phillip Gloster, Alpharetta, general engineering; Ryan Haslam Grady, Alpharetta, pre-business; Alaina M. Grant, Roswell, food science; Eric John Hagenstad, Johns Creek; Cordasia Henderson, Alpharetta, psychology; John P. Jackson IV, Roswell, general engineering; Kristina M. Johnson, Johns Creek, elementary education; Dacia Moreh Fitzgerald Jones, Roswell, biological sciences; Garrett A. Kliphouse, Cumming, environmental and natural resources; Andrew N. Koster, Johns Creek, general engineering; William C. Kramer, Roswell, general engineering; Nicholas M. Krauter, Roswell, general engineering; Alexander Timothy Lee, Alpharetta, pre-business; Jonathan Joseph Luppino, Johns Creek, general engineering; Victoria K. Martin, Roswell, animal and veterinary science; Allison Bouchard McHugh, Johns Creek, secondary education; Haley Coit McKay, Alpharetta, communication studies; Jonathan Robert Moore, Alpharetta; Margot R. Murray, Johns Creek, secondary education; Cam-
eron A. Petrovich, Cumming, general engineering; Nicholas Paul Queen, Roswell, general engineering; Patrick James Russell, Alpharetta, general engineering; Jon R. Shingleton, Duluth, general engineer-
Jimmie Ralston Hamby, 84, of Cumming, passed away February 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Victoria Jean Pastore, 65, of Alpharetta, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
ing; Audrey E. Smith, Alpharetta, pre-business; Trevor Nicolas Torres, Cumming, pre-business; Alec Vitale, Alpharetta, general engineering; and Anna Dunneah Young, Roswell, general engineering.
DEATH NOTICES Louise Frances Blalack, 93, of Cumming, passed away January 3, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Nelson Cazenave, 59, of Roswell, passed away February 10, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Christopher James Coffey, 44, of Johns Creek, passed away February 5, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Charlotte Eberhardt, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away February 10, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Roland Gerald Emmert, 92, of Cumming, passed away February 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. James Wesley Guyton, 66, of Cumming, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
Barbara Jane Hontz, 82, of Cumming, passed away February 5, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. John Mayfield, 94, of Alpharetta, passed away February 4, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Eleanor R. Minton, 82, of Cumming, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Brenda Sue Roebuck, 56 of Dawsonville, passed away February 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Kayla Lynn Roy, 23, of Gainesville, passed away February 8, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Gracia Mohr Waddill, 87, of Cumming, passed away February 5, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
Dorothy Grant Williams, 95, of Forsyth County, passed away on February 4, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Charles Arthur Wuthrich, Jr., 72, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Daniel Ray Zizich, 64, of Hayesville, NC, passed away February 10, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
34 | February 18, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com
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